The Ant and the Grasshopper

During the warm summer days, an ant worked from morning until evening.

She carried small grains of wheat, seeds, and pieces of food to her home.

Nearby, a cheerful grasshopper sat in the sunshine, singing and playing music.

— Why are you working so hard? — asked the grasshopper. — The weather is beautiful. Come and sing with me.

The ant placed another grain inside her home and replied:

— I am collecting food for winter. You should prepare too.

The grasshopper laughed.

— Winter is still far away. There is plenty of time to think about it later.

The next day, the ant continued working. She carried food, repaired her home, and made sure everything was ready for the cold months.

The grasshopper continued singing, dancing, and enjoying the sunshine.

As the weeks passed, the days became shorter. The warm wind turned cold, the leaves fell from the trees, and snow covered the ground.

The grasshopper could no longer find food.

Hungry and shivering, he remembered the ant's warning.

He went to the ant's home and knocked on the door.

— Please help me, — he said. — I have nothing to eat, and I am very cold.

The ant shared some food with him and gave him a warm place to rest.

— I will help you today, — she said kindly. — But next year, remember that there is a time for singing and a time for preparing.

The grasshopper thanked her and promised that when summer returned, he would enjoy himself but also work and plan for the future.